Near Mingus in Erath County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Thurber's First Coal Mine

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

1. Site of Thurber's First Coal Mine Marker

Inscription. Two hundred yards southeast of this site, at the base of the hill and at a depth of 65 feet, the first coal mine in this area was placed in operation by brothers William W. and Harvey E. Johnson. After Harvey’s death in 1888, and because of labor and financial difficulties, William Johnson sold his mining interest to R.D. Hunter’s Texas and Pacific Railway Coal Company. Railroads provided a ready market for coal, and the company town of Thurber (named for investor H.K. Thurber) became completely unionized after a 1903 strike. The company employed 2,500 miners of 18 nationalities.

Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4903.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 32° 30.291′ N, 98° 24.886′ W. Marker is near Mingus, Texas, in Erath County. Marker is at the intersection of Interstate 20 Frontage Road and County Road 107, on the right when traveling east on Interstate 20. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mingus TX 76463, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Thurber Brick Plant (here, next to this marker); New York Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitehead Cemetery (about 400

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feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Barbara's Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Thurber (approx. 0.2 miles away); Evolution of an Oil Company (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Hotel Knox and Thurber Mining Office (approx. ¼ mile away); Thurber Cemetery (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mingus.

Markers in Front of W.K. Gordon Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

2. Markers in Front of W.K. Gordon Center

View to Southeast Towards Site of Thurber's First Coal Mine image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, January 22, 2018

3. View to Southeast Towards Site of Thurber's First Coal Mine

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 4, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.